Question about Valve Adjustment
 

Would I be able to set the valve gap if I had the engine rotated to top-of-exhaust stroke rather than TDC?

When I was doing a valve adjust after replacing the air-box on my CIS 2.7L, I had the distributor installed 180deg out of phase. Therefore, when I thought I was at TDC with both Intake and Exhaust valves closed, I maybe was having Intake closed but Exhaust open. Of course, I only realized the distributor error when engine was re-installed and I couldn't get the engine to fire.

Anyway, assuming I could set the valve gap when the exhaust valve was open, I assume I would basically end up with a 2 x spec gap. Would you agree?

The thought I had was that the valve spring would prevent me from getting feeler stock in there, uless I backed waaay off the adjustment screw (which maybe I did that!)

How bad is it to have valve gap set too open, other than a really noisy valve train?

BTW, I've driven about 100 miles since setting the valves.

Does it sound like spec to you.
If the corp wanted .2 to be spec they would have wanted the engine at temperature.
Just do the job correctly.
Bruce

No, doesn't sound like spec! I guess you are confirming the possibility that I screwed this up!

Do I need to reset both sides or only exhaust side?

Do the job one time, completely, do it right and you know you're complete.
The cost savings are there if you adjust to spec.
Bruce

Thanks Bruce. I assume I haven't done any damage. Engine is running strong although noticeably clackety!

Hard to believe you could do that. You'd have to back the adjuster out ALOT. Then that valve would never open, maybe? Seems you would notice .